used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
binsnounUS /bɪnz/
plural of “bin” — a container; usually has a lid
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
braenounUS /breɪ/
a slope or hillside
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
bunchesnounUS /ˈbʌntʃəz/
plural of “bunch” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
make calm or still
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
combinedadjectiveUS /kəmˈbaɪnd/
made or joined or united into one
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
coveys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
crestingverbUS /ˈkrestɪŋ/
-ing form of “crest” — lie at the top of
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
delightsnounUS /dɪˈlaɪts/
plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
determinationnounUS /dɪˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃən/
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
feathersnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
heather-covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
the production of eggs (especially in birds)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
LuckilyadverbUS /ˈlʌkəli/
by good fortune
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
MacleodnounUS /məˈklaʊd/
Scottish physiologist who directed the research by F. G. Banting and C. H. Best that led to the discovery of insulin (1876-1935)
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
magistratesnounUS /ˈmædʒɪstreɪts/
plural of “magistrate” — a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
partridgenounUS /ˈpɑːrtrədʒ/
flesh of either quail or grouse
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
by chance
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
pulsenounUS /pʌls/
(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
a purple color or pigment
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
one of four equal parts
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
risesnounUS /ˈraɪzəz/
plural of “rise” — a growth in strength or number or importance
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
scatteringnounUS /ˈskætərɪŋ/
a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
sessionsnounUS /ˈseʃənz/
United States composer who promoted 20th century music (1896-1985)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
dependable
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
strongestadjectiveUS /ˈstrɔːŋɡəst/
superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
stubbles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
carry out
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
turnipnounUS /ˈtɜːrnəp/
widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
precisely as stated
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading To begin with, he had to pay a visit on the way south, and the delights of really good partridge shooting are of a distinctly soothing nature.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading There is something fat and calm and comfortable about the stubbles and turnip fields which makes one think kindly of county magistrates and quarter sessions, of growing stout, and laying down bins of port wine.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
WoodwardnounUS /ˈwʊdwɔːrd/
United States historian (1908-1999)
From this reading Luckily, perhaps, for his determination to forget, a variety of causes combined to give Paul Macleod breathing space before he had, as it were, to take up the burden of his engagement with Alice Woodward.
but in spite of that
From this reading Up and up, with a strain and an effort, yet with the pulse of life beating its strongest.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading A very different affair this from cresting the brow of a heather-covered hill, with a wild wind from the west scattering the coveys like bunches of brown feathers, while the next brae rises purple before you, and another--and another--and another!
